West Ham look to have done their rivals Manchester United and Tottenham a massive favour in their Europa League last 16 second-leg rout of Freiburg. The Hammers overturned their 1-0 deficit in style by putting five goals past Bundesliga opposition without reply on their way to the quarter-finals. It wouldn't have just been the Hammers who will have cheered on that result, as the victory all but confirms that the Premier League will boast a fifth Champions League place for next season. Due to the Champions League's expansion starting in the 2024/25 season, two extra places will go to the best-performing leagues in Europe this season. England had been competing with the likes of Spain, Germany, Italy and France and West Ham have helped their compatriots with European ambitions.

Source: Express March 14, 2024 19:53 UTC